uuuuhhhmmm…to ME, spirituality IS religion…I can’t seem to separate it in my mind… though i can understand being spiritual and not practicing any religion, however I have never done it that way…wow Stu, this has sparked all sorts of questions in my head…question marks popping up all over!!!

jejejeee… moi aussi!! although a lovely lady (i repeat this anecdote as often as I can, it makes me laugh and THINK) said to me-as i was finishing off one of my hipothethical stories- THERE WAS ONCE A MAN THAT DIED FROM THINKING TOO MUCH…jajajaaa…anyway… your question for today plus a comment from Teecee reminded me of a topic i had been ‘working on’ -in my head- … so I’ll stop thinking and start writing and hopeto deter death from my path… jajajaaa

I feel you can have faith without “religion”. Spiritual principles seem to be the same no matter the religion–gratitude, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, acceptance. I don’t think you have to be tied to a certain religion to practice these daily.

I think it depends on the person. Religion offers a set of rules to live by that can enhance a spiritual experience. On the other hand, for some those rules can be constricting and inhibit the spiritual experience. Tough questions, Stuart!

I’m yet to checkout the facebook page, but before I do that, I can declare my stand that religion and spirituality are two parallels.
Religion is based on the law while spirituality is based on faith.
Laid down rules, with do’s and don’ts never necessarily justify or transform a person.
Religion is of the world while spirituality is from above.
But very often, people mix up the two.
We find directions to spirituality in religious settings but very often, we pick up the rules and regulations, leaving behind the power and spirit.
Patterns of this world include organized religion, but they still have their roles to play in pointing people to the truth.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2).
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13).
“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:14).
Love is the foundation of spirituality. In it, you will be guided into all truth.
The will of the creator of the universe is that we love one another as He has loved us.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21).
It takes faith to read in-between the lines. It takes being led by the spirit to become sons of God.
Religion has the foundation, but the spirit holds the substance.
“Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last”.” (Luke 13:30).
Maybe I can checkout the facebook page now.
Good food for thought Stuart! 🙂

Wow, thank you for that considered comment. I believe what you say is true – that religion ‘can’ be a path to spirituality but most that follow religion are so preoccupied with the rules they do not allow themselves to be spiritual. 🙂